FLOW vs SPY
Global X US Cash Flow Kings 100 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FLOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +25.14% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.04% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.37% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FLOW vs SPY Performance
Global X US Cash Flow Kings 100 ETF (FLOW) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FLOW returned +33.04% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, FLOW is up 25.14% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, FLOW compounded at +21.37% per year against +21.83% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, FLOW has the edge at +21.23% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.3% for FLOW. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -21.6% for FLOW and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLOW charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLOW currently yields 1.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FLOW and SPY share 36 holdings out of 568 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLOW or SPY?
FLOW has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLOW or SPY?
Over the past year FLOW returned +33.04% vs +20.57% for SPY, so FLOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FLOW annualized +21.23% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLOW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.3% for FLOW. Worst drawdown: FLOW -21.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FLOW and SPY?
FLOW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLOW and SPY?
FLOW and SPY share 36 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 568 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLOW or SPY?
FLOW yields 1.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FLOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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